NORFOLK VIRGINIA, Authorities continue to investigate the deadly shooting that occurred on March 12, 2026, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, which left one person dead, two others injured, and the suspected gunman deceased.
While the investigation remains ongoing, reports circulating online have suggested that the suspected shooter may have been Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, though law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the suspect.
According to previous federal court records, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh is a U.S. citizen and former member of the United States Army and the Army National Guard who pleaded guilty in October 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS).
Court documents and a Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit indicated that Jalloh left the National Guard after becoming increasingly influenced by the teachings of Anwar al-Awlaki, a now-deceased cleric associated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
According to investigators, Jalloh began researching Awlaki after media reports describing the cleric as a radical preacher led him to listen to his online lectures.
During conversations in 2016 with an FBI confidential human source, Jalloh allegedly stated that Awlaki’s messages convinced him that it was the responsibility of Muslims to resist U.S. military actions overseas.
Investigators said Jalloh also referenced the 2014 declaration of a so-called caliphate by ISIS, stating that it helped him believe that the group represented a legitimate Islamic authority.
ISIS, a violent jihadist extremist organization that emerged from conflicts in Iraq and Syria, has been responsible for numerous attacks and insurgent campaigns across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. The group has also inspired or directed attacks in multiple countries around the world.
Reports indicate that Jalloh served time in federal prison following his conviction and was released in 2024, though authorities have not publicly confirmed whether he is connected to the Old Dominion University incident.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. inside Constant Hall on the university’s main campus. Officers with the Old Dominion University Police Department responded within minutes to reports of gunfire.
When police arrived, they located the suspected gunman deceased. Officials have not yet released details regarding how the suspect died.
Two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital at approximately 11:15 a.m. in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that both individuals survived and are now reported to be in stable condition. One of the injured victims also transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach for treatment.
In a statement, the U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that two of the victims were members of the university’s ROTC program.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., university officials issued an “all clear” notification, informing the campus community that the immediate threat had ended while advising people to avoid the area around Constant Hall as the investigation continued.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed during a 2:00 p.m. press conference that one victim had died and two others were injured, while the suspected gunman was found dead at the scene.
ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., released a statement expressing condolences and thanking first responders for their rapid response.
“Earlier today, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners with the City of Norfolk who assisted the injured.”
In response to the incident, the university canceled all classes and suspended campus operations for the remainder of March 12, with officials also announcing that the campus would remain closed on Friday.
A Family Information Center was established at Chartway Arena, while counseling and support services were made available at Broderick Dining Commons and through online resources such as the Talk Campus peer support platform.
Students inside Constant Hall described the sudden disruption when the shooting began. ODU sophomore Logan Hayes said he was taking an exam when the building’s fire alarm sounded, prompting students to evacuate quickly as emergency responders arrived.
The incident also prompted precautionary safety measures throughout the surrounding community. Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that Larchmont Elementary School, James Monroe Elementary School, and W. H. Taylor Elementary School were placed on secure hold while police responded to the scene.
Officials also said that students from nearly every high school in Norfolk were visiting the university for a SOAR campus tour at the time of the shooting. Those students were sheltered in place, and authorities later confirmed that all visiting students and staff were accounted for and safe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal agents are working alongside local law enforcement to help process evidence and determine the motive and background of the suspect.
Authorities emphasized that the identity of the shooter and any connection to prior criminal or extremist activity has not yet been officially confirmed, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Officials said additional updates will be released as more information becomes available as the investigation continues.
